aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər 

: one that commits or practices aggression

Synonyms

• invader
• raider

Examples of aggressor in a Sentence

Each country accused the other of being the aggressor.

a group of smaller states had formed an alliance to deter potential aggressors

Recent Examples on the Web

Again in the second, Minnesota was the early aggressor, with Denisa Krizova’s solo rush to the net ending with a backhand shot sliding just wide of the far post, and Kendall Coyne Schofield getting tripped up on a 2-on-1 rush to the net, drawing the Frost’s second power play. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025

In abusive relationships, one partner tends to hold more power or be the primary aggressor. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Trump's recent criticism of Putin stands out, particularly given his past claims that Russia, despite being the aggressor, has shown greater willingness than Ukraine to pursue a peace deal. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Needless to say, Greenlanders are in no position to defend themselves against Russia, China, or any other such aggressor. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "attacker, assailant," from aggredī, adgredī "to approach, attack" + -tor, agent suffix — more at aggress

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aggressor

• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar
• oppressor
• possessor
• processor
• professor
• repressor
• successor

Kids Definition

aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər 

: a person or country that attacks without reasonable cause

Medical Definition

aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər 

: one who exhibits aggression